Some American colleges and universities now allow prospective students to submit videos instead of or in addition to written essays. The above video is one that Amelia Downs sent with her application to Tufts University. In it, she demonstrates dances that she invented that reflect mathematical functions. The New York Times wrote about this trend:

Even without prompting, admissions officials say, a growing number of students submit videos. Maria Laskaris, the dean of admissions at Dartmouth, noticed the trend last year, and said this year had brought even more videos, mostly showcasing music, theater or dance talents.

For Tufts, the videos have been a delightful way to get to know the applicants.

“At heart, this is all about a conversation between a kid and an admissions officer,” Mr. Coffin said. “You see their floppy hair and their messy bedrooms, and you get a sense of who they are. We have a lot of information about applicants, but the videos let them share their voice.”